"In Return for the Help Received"... Pohang Mayor Lee Kangdeok Expresses Strong Commitment to Supporting Wildfire Recovery

Pohang Mayor Lee Kangdeok held a press conference on the 30th regarding the large-scale wildfire that broke out in the northern region of North Gyeongsang Province, expressing his commitment to providing comprehensive support for the affected areas.

Mayor Kangdeok Lee of Pohang held a press conference at City Hall on the 30th regarding the large-scale wildfire that occurred in the northern region of Gyeongbuk and expressed Pohang City's strong commitment to actively support the affected areas. Photo by Pohang City

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Before the conference, Mayor Lee conveyed his deepest condolences to those who lost their lives and words of comfort to the bereaved families. He emphasized that Pohang City would take the lead in providing swift support to help the displaced residents who lost their homes return to their daily lives as quickly as possible.

The wildfire that started in Uiseong County on the 22nd spread to nearby Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok, causing extensive damage in the northern region of North Gyeongsang Province.

On the 29th, Mayor Lee visited evacuation shelters and disaster sites for wildfire victims in Yeongdeok and Cheongsong, along with the Pohang Volunteer Center, to discuss practical support measures.

Mayor Lee stated, "This wildfire is not just a simple disaster, but a catastrophe at the level of a national crisis," and added, "Seeing the displaced residents who had to flee in a hurry without even being able to pack a change of clothes, after their homes were burned down by the sudden wildfire, left me heartbroken."

He further said, "Just as Pohang was able to recover from the great damage caused by the past earthquake and Typhoon Hinnamnor thanks to the warm help sent from all over the country, now it is our turn to return that kindness," reaffirming his strong commitment to supporting the wildfire-affected areas.

Pohang City previously received donations, manpower, and supplies from these regions affected by the current wildfire during the November 15 earthquake and Typhoon Hinnamnor, which greatly aided in swift disaster recovery.

Accordingly, the city plans to launch a city-wide fundraising campaign targeting organizations, groups, and citizens in relation to the recent wildfires in northern North Gyeongsang Province, while also actively supporting emergency restoration equipment, meals, bottled water, and daily necessities.

In addition, relay volunteer activities by related organizations and groups will be actively carried out in connection with the Pohang Volunteer Center, and a meeting with relevant organizations will be held on the 31st to discuss specific support measures.

Mayor Lee said, "I hope Pohang citizens will actively participate in supporting our neighboring cities and counties, who extended a warm helping hand to us in our time of need, through donations and volunteer activities," and added, "Pohang City will take the lead and do our utmost to restore the daily lives of the displaced and recover the affected areas."

The Korea Forest Service officially announced the completion of wildfire suppression in North Gyeongsang Province on the 28th, but the situation remains tense as reignition occurred in Andong and Uiseong on the 29th.

Pohang City will maintain the national crisis alert level for wildfires at "serious" and continue to enforce administrative orders such as a complete ban on entering the mountains. The city plans to mobilize all administrative resources for wildfire prevention until the end of the spring wildfire season.

Mayor Kangdeok Lee (second from right) visits the wildfire-affected sites in Yeongdeok and Cheongsong counties. Photo by Pohang City

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